Whilst The FA’s Chief Executive Brian Barwick made his aspirations clear earlier this week at the first ever FA Roadshow by pledging to cut out bad behaviour from players’ and spectators towards match officials, a youth league in the West Midlands has already introduced measures to reduce incidents of spectator misconduct.

The Stourbridge and District Boys and Girls Youth League, ironically situated just a few miles from the Hawthorns where The FA Roadshow took place, kicked off the 2007-08 with a new rule which means at every one of their 200 matches a barrier of tape will be in place down one side of the pitch, a minimum of two metres and maximum of six metres away from the touchline. All spectators must stand behind this simple barrier, with players, managers and coaches standing on the opposite side of the pitch.

The system has proven to be effective after it was tried by the Wigan Youth League last season and whilst the Stourbridge League does not have a reputation of crowd trouble, Birmingham County FA’s Discipline Secretary, Mike Fellows has congratulated the outfit on their efforts to deter potential problems among spectators.

“Last season incidents in youth football made up for 66% of all spectator misconduct in our area, including one incident where a 16-year-old official was assaulted by two adults who had approached him from opposite sides of the pitch,” he said.

“This is totally unacceptable to Birmingham County FA and no doubt to everyone who loves their football. It does nothing to encourage youngsters from enjoying the game.

“Of course Birmingham County FA has the power to fine or suspend but we also encourage clubs and leagues to take responsibility for their spectators by providing incentives such as Fair Play Awards and programmes like SoccerParent, ‘Respect the Ref’ and the Charter Standard scheme.

“The Stourbridge League should be congratulated on taking this step and their continued positive stance on disciplinary matters. I will be watching it closely and encouraging other leagues to do the same.”

Whilst it is still the early stage of the season, league officials have been delighted with the response to the scheme so far and Stourbridge League President and Vice Chairman Malcolm Lindsay knows from personal experience how the officials are benefiting from the development.

“I went to referee a game and it was absolutely superb,” he said.

“It can only improve the enjoyment for the boys and girls on the pitch and the referees. The Stourbridge Youth League in the 30 years I have been involved has done some very good things, but after seeing it in action last weekend I think this is one of the best things we have done so far.”